Resort-Hopping In The Maldives

Island-hopping in the Maldives sound like a dream? That's because it is. Situated in the midst of the Indian Ocean to the west of Sri Lanka, the island nation is what daydreams are made of. Soft white sands, luxurious accommodations, and water in a million shades of blue (give or take) await. Oh, and those swoon-worthy overwater bungalows we all know and love.

The island total in the Maldives reaches almost 1,200, with approximately 140 of those idyllic dots of sand host to resort destinations. You'll be swooning from your first glimpse out of your window on Qatar Airways, one of the most comfortable ways to get to the Maldives. Each resort island has its own personality, flair, activities and amenities; choosing the best fit for your vacation might not be easy, but it will certainly be worth it.

Here are a smattering of photos to inspire and highlight the art of island hopping in the Maldives. (Yes, it's an art.) Get ready to experience the "sunny side of life."

The dreamy overwater lodging delivers in a big way in the Maldives. Robinson Club Noonu's bungalows are suspended above the turquoise lagoon and feature a plunge pool and steps leading directly into the inviting water. Endless views accompany your cozy (but spacious) slumber space where you can bask in the sun deckside, and choose to cool off in the air-conditioning, pool, or sea. And if you're wondering about the view from your bed? Yes, it faces the sliding glass doors so you can see that gorgeous vista at all times.

There are 150 rooms at this laid-back luxurious resort, located about an hour seaplane ride from Male. You can choose from beachfront double and family rooms and individual beachfront or overwater villas.

The Maldives might just make an early riser out of you. With clear, calm conditions and inviting lagoon water directly accessible from your private deck, why wouldn't you take advantage of sunrise snorkeling? You can grab your very own gear at the Robinson Club Noonu dive shop so you have it on hand anytime you feel like exploring life under the surface. Greet the morning and schools of colorful tropical fish, this time of day will likely your best chance for spotting harmless and graceful Blacktip reef sharks around the villas too.

Sunset is an evening ritual at Robinson Club, and rightly so. Watching the sun dip below the endless sea with a cold cocktail in hand is nothing short of magical. Wrapping up a day of fun in the sun with this Maldivian sky art is the perfect cap to an already amazing itinerary. Take in Mother Nature's show from the beach, the bar, or your very own deck; you'll have a front row seat no matter what you choose.

Quite possibly the best of Robinson Club's three restaurants is the overwater Teppanyaki Restaurant. That's right, overwater experiences aren't just for sleeping...they're for dining too. Indulge in a multiple-course meal crafted by the talented chef; fresh seafood and a side of entertainment are just some of the highlights of this special culinary experience. The open-concept kitchen and hibachi-style grills allow for a sneak peek into the magic behind the meal. Savor fresh sushi, swoon over fried rice and prime cuts of grilled meat, and make sure you save room for dessert, of course.

Seaplanes and speed boats, oh my. To get to the various resort islands, you'll likely have to hop aboard a seaplane, speed boat, short domestic flight, or a combination of these transportation methods. While on a seaplane transfer, glide above the numerous islands dotting the Indian Ocean and enjoy the view from above. No need for in-flight entertainment here...just keep your eyes glued to the gorgeous views of the numerous atolls from your plane window. Get picked up from the seaplane port and land right at the resort dock; talk about door-to-door service!

In order to hop over to another island, it's important to coordinate with each resort for the best method of transfer. You'll have to be flexible with departure and arrival times too, as they can vary based on factors like schedule, other transfers booked by guests, and weather. Depending on your island-hopping itinerary, it's likely that you'll have to transfer back to Male first, before embarking onto your next resort destination.

Talk about luxury. Approximately an hour's speedboat ride from Male will land you at LUX* North Male Atoll; a small island that doesn't skimp on decadence. If you've ever wanted to be treated like royalty, this is the place for you. A golf cart ride will land you at your seaside abode; one, two, and three-bedroom villas are all options...and yes, they all have amazing views. Choose from the beach villas, water villas, and deluxe water villas but just know there is no wrong choice. Oh, and did we mention the rooftop decks? Those too. Modern amenities by the sea await to be enjoyed.

LUX* North Male Atoll: where your breakfast matches the epic views. Breakfast-lovers prepare to be swept off your feet at the main Glow Restaurant, overlooking impossibly aquamarine waters. A buffet like no other, with seemingly endless choices of fresh fruits, juices, meats and cheeses, yogurts...and we can't forget the bread buffet, of course. Oh, and the whole a la carte menu too. Do yourself a favor and get the avocado toast with poached eggs -- it tastes even better with that ocean vista.

The overwater villas have a very important feature for absorbing sunrise...a rooftop with 360 degree views. Roll out of bed and climb the steps up to your own villa perch within seconds. Gaze out to the horizon as the sun starts to creep into the sky, painting otherworldly colors. This is, undoubtedly, the best way to start your day at LUX* and with minimal effort too. In fact, go ahead and hit the roof in your pajamas.

Channel your inner child with perfectly placed beach swings around the island on LUX* North Male Atoll. Picture this: your feet in the soft white sand, azure waters gently lapping the shore, and your seat is suspended from a gorgeous palm tree. Yeah, a tropical oasis indeed. And the best part about it? You can stay as long as you'd like; you're on island time, after all.

Do yourself a favor and dine at LUX* North Male's Peruvian-Japanese restaurant where you'll experience a unique culinary pairing that just works fantastically together. The female head chef is cooking up some wildly delicious dishes at this incredible restaurant. Order a pisco sour, sample the creative ceviche dishes (the tuna is out of this world), and prepare for a gastronomic journey that will leave you pleasantly full.

A bathtub with a view? Yes, please. You'll realize that you checked into heaven on earth when you set foot in your overwater bungalow at Kuramathi Maldives. With sliding glass doors that open the entire wall facing the water, obstructed views aren't even a thing. That includes your bath, which is perfectly positioned to take in the panorama while soaking comfortably. If you'd like to branch out from your own villa's spa experience, the Kuramathi Spa offers top-notch treatments and soaking pools. Massage in an overwater hut to the soundtrack of lapping waves? Um, sign us up.

A 90-minute speedboat ride from Male will have your toes in the pristine sand of Kuramathi, one of the largest resort islands, stretching over a mile long. You can slumber in garden or beach villas, and numerous overwater villas with varying amenities. A plethora of restaurants and bars will be at your fingertips as well.

Champagne never looked so good. One of the most popular bars on Kuramathi island includes a seaside infinity pool. Head to the Champagne Loft for incredible service; dip on the pool, or take a quick jaunt down the steps to the beach. Sip your drink of choice while gazing at jaw-dropping views. The extensive drink menu includes champagne of course, but the offerings extend to beer, wine, and a wide array of tropical cocktails that appeal to any taste.

Other bars on the island include lagoon views, hookahs, a sand bar with comfy bean bags, and a cigar bar. Don't forget about the live music, with some of the best cover songs performed in all of the Maldives; they even take requests!

Although sunset looks mind-blowing from pretty much anywhere in the Maldives, Kuramathi has its own extra special location for viewing the natural show. The sandbar at the far edge of the island is the spot to be in the early evening. When the tide allows, you can walk out to what feels like the edge of the world, highlighted by the sun's last few rays of the day. Admire the vast panorama in one of the most romantic places in the world.

Get up close and personal with nature at Kuramathi. In the midst of the island, an ancient Banyan Tree resides. This tree has pretty much seen it all, with over 300 years of life. The tree soars an impressive 100 feet towards the sky. It's so massive that you can actually walk inside of it; a portal to an otherworldly realm. Make sure to explore the rest of the gardens on the Botanical Walk, where you'll see a variety of tropical flora and fauna that inhabit the island. In addition, the island's Hydroponic Garden is a true example of Kuramathi's sustainability efforts.